Defence
THE pupils, teachers and other victims abducted during the May 15 attack on Ahoro-Esiele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State have regained their freedom.
Media reports on Friday that all the remaining victims had been rescued, bringing to an end nearly two months of captivity.
However, details of the rescue operation, including whether any arrests were made or if a ransom was paid, had yet to be disclosed.
The victims were abducted when heavily armed gunmen stormed Ahoro-Esiele community on May 15.
The attackers invaded a secondary school in the community and kidnapped 46 pupils, teachers and the school principal, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over insecurity in schools.
The abduction drew condemnation from the Oyo State Government, civil society organisations, religious leaders and education stakeholders, who called for the immediate and unconditional release of the victims.
The incident took a tragic turn days into the captivity when one of the abducted teachers, Mr Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded by the kidnappers.
His killing heightened public anxiety and intensified calls for stronger security measures to protect schools and rural communities.
Security agencies subsequently launched coordinated search-and-rescue operations across parts of Oyo State and neighbouring areas in an effort to secure the release of the captives.
With the rescue of the remaining victims, attention is expected to shift to their medical evaluation, psychological support and reintegration.
Authorities are also expected to provide further details on the operation and measures being taken to prevent similar attacks on schools.
The rescue comes amid renewed national concern over the spate of kidnappings targeting schools and rural communities across parts of the country.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the victims’ release.
F.O
Tags: Oyo Kidnapped students Rescued